Adaptor with gimbal mounted sensor

ABSTRACT

An adaptor ( 10 ) including a sensor ( 18 ), a gimbal housing ( 12 ) having a male connector ( 14 ) at one end and an female connector ( 16 ) at another end, wherein the male connector ( 14 ) is configured to connect with an electrical socket and the female connector ( 16 ) is configured to connect with an electrical device, and a circuit for selectively controlling the electrical device in response to the sensor ( 18 ). The gimbal housing ( 12 ) is adapted to rotate around the male connector ( 14 ) about a first axis and support the sensor ( 18 ) for independent rotation about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis so that the sensor ( 18 ) can be moved to a selectable sensing orientation.

This is a National Stage of International ApplicationPCT/AUI2004/000431, with an international filing date of Apr. 2, 2004,which was published as WO 2004/088799, and the complete disclosure ofwhich is incorporated into this application by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an adaptor, and in particular, anadaptor for domestic lighting applications having a gimbal mounteddetector.

In the context of this specification, “gimbal” means a device with twomutually perpendicular axes of rotation, thus giving free angularmovement in two directions, on which an object may be mounted.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, various automatic switching devices have been marketed,which function to switch lighting on and off, depending on some sensedcondition. For example, an ambient light level sensor may beincorporated into the switching device so as to switch on the light whenthe ambient light falls below a certain level (e.g. when night falls).Alternatively, there may be a motion sensor for detecting motion withina particular field of view of the detector and switching the light onwhen motion is detected.

One known motion detector arrangement for switching lighting has ahousing which must be fixed in place (e.g high up on an external wall)and must be wired during installation thereof so as to connect into themains power supply. This arrangement is relatively expensive andrequires installation by an electrician. Additionally, the installationis not easily moved once it is fixed in place and wired into the mainspower supply.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,823,051 by Young describes an infra-red actuated controlswitch assembly. This assembly has a motion detecting capability and ishoused within a plug and socket adaptor to be interposed between a lightbulb and a socket in normal domestic applications. The sensing systemdescribed by Young has a 360° range in the horizontal plane, with twoseparate sensing fields in a vertical field of view. This arrangementdoes not, however, allow for the field of view of the motion sensor tobe directionally targeted. Thus, in situations where it is not desiredto switch the light based on motion in a certain part of the room, thelight will nonetheless be undesirably switched on. Thus, the 360° rangeof the assembly described by Young lacks directional adjustability andmay inconveniently switch on when not desired.

It is desired to provide an adaptor device which is relativelyinexpensive, easy to install and remove and has a motion sensingcapability which can be directionally targeted, or to at least provide auseful alternative to the prior art.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and shouldnot be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that thatprior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided an adaptorcomprising a gimbal mounted sensor adapted to be interposed between anelectrical device and a power supply, wherein power is selectivelysupplied to the electrical device in response to the sensor.

The present invention also provides an adaptor comprising:

-   -   a sensor;    -   a gimbal housing having a male connector at one end and a female        connector at another end, wherein the male connector is        configured to connect with an electrical socket and the female        connector is configured to connect with an electrical device;        and    -   a circuit for selectively controlling the electrical device in        response to the sensor;    -   wherein the gimbal housing is adapted to rotate around the male        connector about a first axis and support the sensor for        independent rotation about a second axis perpendicular to the        first axis so that the sensor can be moved to a selectable        sensing orientation.

Preferably, the sensor comprises one of a motion detector, an infrareddetector, a photodetector and a sound detector.

Advantageously, the male connector and the female connector arerespectively provided on opposite ends of the gimbal housing inalignment with the first axis.

Preferably, the electrical socket is a light socket.

Advantageously, the electrical device comprises a light source. Mostadvantageously, the electrical device is a light bulb. Alternatively,the electrical device comprises one of a mobile telephone, a soundalarm, a security device, and a monitoring device. Preferably, thesecurity device comprises a burglar alarm. Preferably, the monitoringdevice comprises a surveillance camera.

Preferably, the sensor is substantially spherical in shape and thegimbal housing is substantially annular in shape so that the sensor issupported at least partially inside the gimbal housing between the maleconnector and the female connector. More preferably, the gimbal housinghas one or more openings formed therein to correspond with at least someselectable sensing orientations of the sensor. Most preferably, the oneor more openings comprise first and second windows respectively formedin opposite sides of the gimbal mounting between the second axis and thefemale connector.

Advantageously, the gimbal housing further comprises a locking mechanismfor lockably rotating the gimbal housing about the male connector. Moreadvantageously, the locking mechanism comprises a ratchet wheel andpawl.

Preferably, the sensor is adapted to rotate less than 360° around thesecond axis. More preferably, the sensor is adapted to rotate to amaximum of about 350° around the second axis.

Advantageously, the gimbal housing is adapted to rotate less than 360°around the first axis. More advantageously, the gimbal housing isadapted to rotate to a maximum of about 350° around the first axis.

The present invention further provides a method for operating anelectrical device comprising the steps of:

-   -   connecting one end of an adaptor to the electrical device and a        second end to an electrical socket;    -   supporting a sensor in a gimbal housing between the ends of the        adaptor so that the sensor is rotatable about two mutually        orthogonal axes;    -   moving the sensor to a selectable sensing orientation; and    -   selectively controlling the electrical device in response to the        sensor.

Advantageously, the electrical device comprises a light source. Mostadvantageously, the electrical device is a light bulb. Alternatively,the electrical device comprises one of a mobile telephone, a soundalarm, a security device, and a monitoring device. Preferably, thesecurity device comprises a burglar alarm. Preferably, the monitoringdevice comprises a surveillance camera.

Preferably, the sensor comprises one of a motion detector, an infrareddetector, a photodetector and a sound detector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will be described in further detailhereinafter, with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an adaptor according to one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a side view and schematic representation of the adaptor ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view and schematic representation of the adaptor ofFIG. 1, with the motion detector rotated into an alternate position;

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C show a plug part of the adaptor, illustrating theconfiguration of a locking pin and locking plate associated with theplug;

FIG. 5 is a partial cut-away view of the adaptor;

FIG. 6 is a front view and schematic diagram of an adaptor of anotherembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an adaptor of another embodiment of theinvention; and

FIG. 8 is a partial cut-away view of the embodiment of FIG. 7 showingthe locking mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In this specification, and specifically including the description anddrawings, like reference numerals indicate like features, functions orparts, unless otherwise indicated.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, there is shown an adaptor 10 having a housing12 of a generally shallow cylindrical shape. A motion detector 18 (alsotermed a motion sensor) is located within the cylindrical body of thehousing 12 and connected thereto by housing connectors 30. The housingconnectors 30 allow rotation of the motion detector 18 relative to thehousing 12 about a lateral (or generally horizontal) axis extendingthrough the housing connectors 30 and the center of the motion detector18.

At a top end of the housing 12 is mounted a top housing part 13 having aplug part 14 connected thereto. The plug part 14 is configured to beinserted into a light socket such as is commonly used for domesticlighting in Australia. The arrangement or configuration by which theplug part 14 engages with a socket may be modified to suit the type ofdomestic lighting connections prevalent in different countries. Forexample, FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the adaptor having ascrew in plug part 64 in place of the plug part 14 of FIGS. 1 to 4.

The top housing part 13 may be integrally formed with housing 12 orseparately formed and connected thereto by conventional means, such asadhesive or mechanical attachment. The top housing part 13 serves toprovide a substructure of the housing 12 within which the plug part 14may rotate relative to the housing 12 about a longitudinal axis of theadaptor 10.

Plug terminals 34 are arranged on the underside of the plug part 14 andconcealed within the top housing part 13 for connecting conductorsthereto by which power is provided to a light bulb fitted into socketpart 16.

The top housing part 13 also accommodates a locking pin 26 which engageswith a locking plate 22 on the bottom of the plug part 14. The lockingpin 26 moves within a channel in the top housing part 13 and is biasedby a spring 27 into a normal extended position in which it engages withthe locking plate 22 to prevent rotation of the plug part 14 relative tothe housing 12. This is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 4A, 4B and4C. When the locking pin 26 is depressed, compressing the spring 27, itmoves into a retracted position in which it does not engage with thelocking plate 22, thus freeing the plug part 14 to rotate relative tothe housing 12.

The locking plate 22 has a number of recesses or depressions 24 thereinwhich engage with the locking pin 26 when it is in its extendedposition. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4A to 4C, thelocking pin 26 is formed so as to have a base portion formed larger thana top portion. In its extended position, the base portion of the lockingpin 26 fits generally into one of the recesses 24 in the locking plate22. The locking pin 26 is only allowed to move between its extended andretracted positions and is fixed against movement in the plane of thelocking plate 22, such that in its extended position, the locking pin 26fits into a recess 24 and prevents rotational movement of the lockingplate 22. In its retracted position, the top part of the locking pin 26is sufficiently small so that it does not engage with any of therecesses 24, thus allowing rotational freedom of the locking plate 22.However, the top part of the locking pin 26 is still formed sufficientlylarge to prevent rotation of the locking plate 22 beyond about 90° ineach direction by interfering with circumferential parts of the lockingplate 22 which do not have recesses 24 formed therein. Otherarrangements may be employed for fixing the plug part 14 againstrotational movement and preventing rotation beyond about 180°.

On an opposite part of the housing 12 to which the plug part 14 isconnected, there is formed a socket part 16 for receiving a light bulb(not shown). The socket part 16 is adapted to receive light bulbs havinga plug configuration corresponding to that of plug part 14.

Windows 20 are provided in parts of the housing 12 adjacent the socketpart 16 and extending generally between the socket part 16 and thoseparts of the housing 12 adjacent the housing connectors 30. The windows20 are arranged to enable transmission of electromagnetic radiation toand from a sensor screen 19 of the motion detector 18 when the motiondetector is pivoted so as to point generally downwardly (such as isshown in FIG. 3). The windows 20 are preferably holes, but mayalternatively contain some kind of transmissive filter or polarisingmaterial. As shown in FIG. 3, the windows 20 are shaped so as to allow asensing field of the motion detector 18 to extend therethrough when themotion detector 18 is in a vertically downwardly directed orientation.In this position, while the socket part 16 obscures part of the sensingfield of the motion detector 18, much of the sensing field will stillextend vertically and laterally outward and downward of the adaptor 10.This positional arrangement of the motion detector 18, in combinationwith the configuration of the windows 20 and the housing 12, allows forthe adaptor 10 to be located in a light fixture in a hallway, such thatthe sensing field of the motion sensor 18 can extend in either directiondown the hallway. Additionally, the rotational adjustability of the plugpart 14 relative to the housing 12 facilitates simple adjustment of theadaptor 10 for optimal orientation thereof with respect to the hallway.If not for the rotational adjustability of the plug part 14 relative tothe housing 12, the adaptor 10, once installed in the light socket, maynot be able to be positioned so as to extend the sensing field in bothdirections down the hallway, for example because of the fixedorientation of the socket in which the adaptor 10 is installed.

The motion sensor 18 depicted in the drawings is preferably of a roughlyelliptoid or spherical shape with the sensor screen 19 disposed on anouter portion thereof generally in the direction of a lateral axis ofthe housing 12. The inner workings of the motion sensor 18 do not formpart of this invention. A motion sensor 18 for use in a preferred formof the adaptor 10 may be one that is commercially available.Importantly, the motion sensor 18 must be able to receive and switchmains power and to itself run on mains power. Preferably, the motionsensor 18 has adjustable inputs for adjusting the time after which themotion detector switches off the light following the absence of anysensed motion. Also preferably, the motion sensor 18 may have a manualinput adjustment for varying the ambient light level at which the sensoris enabled or disabled from operating.

Shown in FIG. 2 is an arrangement in which the motion sensor 18 ispositioned so that its sensor field is directed generally laterally. Thedirection of the sensor field may be altered by pivoting the motionsensor 18 about the lateral axis through the housing connectors 30, forexample so as to direct the sensing field more downwardly than isdepicted in FIG. 2.

Illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5 are ground conductors 32 a, 32 b andactive conductors, 33 a and 33 b for powering the motion detector 18 tothus selectively switch power to a light fitted into socket part 16. Theconductors are connected within the housing 12. Ground and activeconductors 32 a and 33 a, respectively, are connected to plug terminals34 and to the motion detector 18 (through one of the housing connectors30). An active conductor 33 b is also connected to motion detector 18and to a socket terminal 36 associated with socket part 16, such thatwhen the motion detector 18 senses motion, it switches active power toactive conductor 33 b, which is supplied to the light globe in socketpart 16. A ground conductor 32 b is connected between a ground terminalof the socket terminals 36 and a ground terminal of plug terminals 34for completion of the circuit through the light globe.

In the wiring arrangement shown in the drawings there is no provisionfor allowing rotation of the plug part 14 or motion sensor 18 withouttwisting the conductors connected thereto. In an alternative embodiment(not shown) a form of intermediate electrical connector may be used tominimise the twisting effect on the conductors. In a furtheralternative, the plug terminals 34 may be arranged to allow for pivotalrotation of the plug part 14 without undue twisting of the conductorsconnected thereto and similarly with electrical connections to themotion detector 18.

FIG. 5 further illustrates the arrangement of the conductors 32 a, b and33 a, b within one side of the housing 12. Also shown in FIG. 5 arehousing and connector bosses 29, 31 associated with each housingconnector 30. The housing boss 29 is fixed to the housing 12, whereasthe connector boss 31 rotates about the lateral axis along with rotationof the motion detector 18. The connector boss 31 is arranged to abut thehousing boss 29 at the extremities of permissible rotation of the motiondetector 18 relative to the housing 12, so as to limit the rotationalfreedom thereof to a maximum of about 350°. Preferably, the housing boss29 and connector boss 31 are arranged so as to allow for rotation of themotion sensor 18 from the near vertical on one side of the housing 12,down through the position shown in FIG. 3 and up through to the nearvertical on the other side of the housing 12, but not so as to allowrotation of more than about 350°. If excessive rotation were allowed,this may exert undue twisting stress on the conductors connected throughhousing connector 30. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), if anintermediate connector or other means for preventing excessive twistingstress on the conductors is employed, rotation of the motion detector 18relative to the housing 12 in excess of 350° may be allowed, in whichcase housing and connector bosses 29 and 31 are not required.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the adaptor, designatedby reference numeral 60. This embodiment differs from previouslydescribed embodiments only in so far as the plug and socket connectionsare concerned. In this embodiment, a plug part 64 is provided whichallows for a screw-in connection to a socket such as those which arecommon in North America. A corresponding socket part 66 is provided onan opposite part of the housing 12 for receiving a screw-in light bulbhaving a corresponding plug form to that of plug part 64.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a preferred embodiment of the adaptor, designated byreference numeral 100. This embodiment differs from previously describedembodiments in its external appearance and locking mechanism 102. Asshown in FIG. 8, the locking mechanism 102 comprises a ratchet wheel 104and pawl (or locking pin) 26. The ratchet wheel 104 and pawl 26 operatein a conventional manner to lockably rotate the annular housing 12 aboutthe male connector (or plug part) 14. The annular housing 12 is lockablyrotatable about the male connector 14 up to a maximum of about 350°. Thesensor 18 is similarly rotatable to a maximum of about 350°.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to theparticular embodiments described above, but can be implemented usingdifferent combinations of conventional electrical connections, sensorsand electrical devices.

The male connector of the adaptor of the present invention is notlimited to being connectable with conventional light fittings, but mayalso be configured to connect with conventional electrical fittings,such as wall mounted electrical sockets.

The sensor used in the adaptor of the present invention is not limitedto a motion detector, but may also be implemented using one or more ofan infrared detector, a photodetector and a sound detector.

The adaptor of the present invention is not limited to connect with andcontrol light sources, but may also be implemented to connect with andcontrol other electrical devices such as mobile telephones or soundalarms. In these embodiments, the female connector of the adaptor may beconfigured to connect with a mobile telephone or sound alarm. Forexample, embodiments of the present invention may use the sensor toselectively control a mobile telephone so that it transmits a call to apredetermined telephone number in response to a sensed condition, suchas movement. Other embodiments of the present invention may beimplemented using a sound alarm so that an audible alarm is generated inresponse to a sensed condition. These embodiments may be used insecurity applications. In other security applications, the adaptor maybe adapted to control a security device, such as a burglar alarm, or amonitoring device, such as a surveillance camera.

Certain modifications or enhancements to the above described embodimentsmay be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless thecontext requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as“comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusionof a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not theexclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

1. An adaptor comprising: a sensor; a gimbal housing having a maleconnector at one end and a female connector at another end, wherein themale connector is configured to connect with an electrical socket andthe female connector is configured to connect with an electrical device;and a circuit for selectively controlling the electrical device inresponse to the sensor; wherein the gimbal housing is adapted to rotatearound the male connector about a first axis and support the sensor forindependent rotation about a second axis perpendicular to the first axisso that the sensor can be moved to a selectable sensing orientation, andwherein the one or more openings comprise first and second windowsrespectively formed in opposite sides of the gimbal mounting between thesecond axis and the female connector.
 2. An adaptor according to claim1, wherein the sensor comprises one of a motion detector, an infrareddetector, a photodetector and a sound detector.
 3. An adaptor accordingto claim 1, wherein the male connector and the female connector arerespectively provided on opposite ends of the gimbal housing inalignment with the first axis.
 4. An adaptor according to claim 1,wherein the electrical socket is a light socket.
 5. An adaptor accordingto claim 1, wherein the electrical device comprises a light source. 6.An adaptor according to claim 5, wherein the light source is a lightbulb.
 7. An adaptor according to claim 1, wherein the electrical devicecomprises one of a mobile telephone, a sound alarm, a security device,and a monitoring device.
 8. An adaptor according to claim 7, wherein thesecurity device comprises a burglar alarm.
 9. An adaptor according toclaim 7, wherein the monitoring device comprises a surveillance camera.10. An adaptor according to claim 1, wherein the gimbal housing has oneor more openings formed therein to correspond with at least someselectable sensing orientations of the sensor.
 11. An adaptor accordingto claim 10, wherein the one or more openings comprise first and secondwindows respectively formed in opposite sides of the gimbal mountingbetween the second axis and the female connector.
 12. An adaptoraccording to claim 1, wherein the gimbal housing further comprises alocking mechanism for lockably rotating the gimbal housing about themale connector.
 13. An adaptor according to claim 12, wherein thelocking mechanism comprises a ratchet wheel and pawl.
 14. An adaptoraccording to claim 1, wherein the sensor is adapted to rotate less than360° around the second axis.
 15. An adaptor according to claim 14,wherein the sensor is adapted to rotate to a maximum of about 350°around the second axis.
 16. An adaptor according to claim 1, wherein thegimbal housing is adapted to rotate less than 360° around the firstaxis.
 17. An adaptor according to claim 16, wherein the gimbal housingis adapted to rotate to a maximum of about 350° around the first axis.18. A method for operating an electrical device comprising the steps of:connecting one end of the adaptor claimed in claim 1 to the electricaldevice and a second end to an electrical socket; supporting a sensor ina gimbal housing between the ends of the adaptor so that the sensor isrotatable about two mutually orthogonal axes; moving the sensor to aselectable sensing orientation; and selectively controlling theelectrical device in response to the sensor.
 19. A method for operatingan electrical device according to claim 18, wherein the electricaldevice comprises a light source.
 20. A method for operating anelectrical device according to claim 19, wherein the light source is alight bulb.
 21. A method for operating an electrical device according toclaim 18, wherein the electrical device comprises one of a mobiletelephone, a sound alarm, a security device, and a monitoring device.22. A method for operating an electrical device according to claim 21,wherein the security device comprises a burglar alarm.
 23. A method foroperating an electrical device according to claim 21, wherein themonitoring device comprises a surveillance camera.
 24. A method foroperating an electrical device according to claim 18, wherein the sensorcomprises one of a motion detector, an infrared detector, aphotodetector and a sound detector.